Chapter 73: Chao Chao’s Fight
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
“R-Really? Does it look good?” Lu Zheng Yue asked, a hint of doubt in his tone. He glanced down at himself, the golden threads on his clothes gleaming so brightly they hurt his eyes.
Lu Yuan Xiao’s initial excitement froze into stunned silence. He clamped his mouth shut, refusing to say a word. [Never again, no matter what happens, will I let my little sister pick my clothes!]
“All… all around,” Lu Chao Chao said, pointing with her tiny finger. Sure enough, everyone nearby had their eyes on him. Their faces were filled with smiles, looking exceedingly kind and amused.
Lu Chao Chao nudged her second brother’s leg, urging him toward Wen Ning.
Lu Zheng Yue’s heart pounded nervously. As he turned his head, he caught sight of the little one raising her small fists, silently cheering him on. With a heavy nod, he declared, “I’m going!” and strode boldly in Wen Ning’s direction.
He failed to notice that as soon as he stepped outside, the entire street fell silent. Under the glow of the streetlamps, the golden threads on his outfit sparkled blindingly, making him look like a walking treasure god.
When Lu Zheng Yue reached the entrance of Wen Ning’s shop, he struck a pose with his fan, lightly flicking it open. All eyes in the shop immediately turned toward him.
Despite his resolve, Lu Zheng Yue’s nerves wavered. [Why do their gazes feel so off?]
The young maid beside Wen Ning widened her eyes, tugging at her mistress’s sleeve with a trembling hand. In a near tearful whisper, she said, “M-Miss, look quickly!”
Wen Ning looked up. Even with her broad experience, she froze for a moment.
“Miss, where did this lunatic come from? Who fans themselves in the middle of a snowy day? And dressed head-to-toe in gold chains! He doesn’t look like a good person at all…” The maid whimpered, her eyes darting between Wen Ning and Lu Zheng Yue. “Why is he staring straight at you? So scary!”
Wen Ning’s gaze softened, a starlit amusement shimmering in her eyes. The once-poised young lady faltered for a moment, stepping back in surprise. But when she saw the hurt in Lu Zheng Yue’s eyes, she hesitated and stepped forward again.
Unable to hold back, Wen Ning burst into laughter, her lips curling into a wide grin. “Is… is that really you, Brother Zheng Yue?” Her laughter nearly knocked the air out of her, tears welling in her eyes. [I can’t believe it. Truly, I can’t believe it. This outfit will get him ridiculed, won’t it?]
Lu Zheng Yue cleared his throat awkwardly, his mind unsettled. [Why does something feel off?]
“Ning… Sister Ning,” he said, his eyes shining brightly. In this moment, his mind was remarkably clear—clear enough to recall all the memories he shared with Wen Ning. There was no madness like when he faced Su Zhi Qing, no clouded thoughts. Just clarity.
Suddenly, Lu Zheng Yue’s eyes turned red, brimming with emotion. He had once thought he truly loved Su Zhi Qing, betraying Wen Ning in the process. The weight of those memories crushed him.
Alarmed, Wen Ning stepped closer. “Brother Zheng Yue, what’s wrong? Why are you crying? Don’t cry, please! Ning wasn’t laughing at you. I promise…” Her voice was hurried and full of concern.
“I’m just so happy to see you,” Lu Zheng Yue said, his lips trembling. [Though… it seems I’ve become an idiot.]
Wen Ning’s cheeks turned a bright crimson. The young girl who once used to chase after Lu Zheng Yue had grown into a poised lady. Watching her now, Lu Zheng Yue felt a pang of pain recalling the ending he’d glimpsed in Lu Chao Chao’s thoughts.
His eyes reddened further, his lips quivering. He wanted to embrace Wen Ning but restrained himself, fearing he might frighten her. He clutched his hands tightly to control the urge.
“I… I missed you so much, Ning. I missed you,” he confessed softly. [I’ve never told her that before, have I?]
Wen Ning’s lips curved into a smile, her gaze filled with warmth.
Meanwhile, Lu Chao Chao peeked her small head around the doorway. Seeing her second brother and second sister-in-law talking so happily, she felt deeply satisfied.
Wen Ning noticed her and gave a gentle, warm smile.
[Ah, my second sister-in-law will kill me with kindness! So gentle, so sweet…] Lu Chao Chao thought, awestruck.
Lu Zheng Yue quickly scooped Lu Chao Chao into his arms. “This is my younger sister, Chao Chao.”
Lu Zheng Yue’s face flushed as he hastily corrected himself, “Chao Chao, call her Sister Ning! Ah, I mean… not Second Sister-in-law.”
Wen Ning, blushing as well, gently removed the jade bracelet from her wrist and handed it to Lu Chao Chao. “I didn’t bring a proper gift for our first meeting. Next time, Sister Ning will make it up to you.”
Lu Chao Chao grasped the bracelet and sweetly exclaimed, “Second Sister-in-law!”
Both adults turned redder than before.
“Miss, it’s time to head back. The Master is still waiting,” Wen Ning’s maid reminded her, tugging her sleeve. Internally, the maid wondered, [He was such a charming young boy, but how did he grow up to be this… country tycoon? This marriage must be reconsidered!]
As Wen Ning departed, Lu Zheng Yue reluctantly withdrew his gaze.
“Chao Chao, I feel like everyone’s looking at me strangely,” Lu Zheng Yue whispered, adjusting his robes. He couldn’t understand why people glanced at him, then stifled laughter and darted away, only to look back again.
Lu Chao Chao tilted her head in curiosity. “Because Second Brother is handsome!” She gave a confident thumbs-up.
[Of course, he’s handsome! Even Sister Ning smiled so happily, to the point of tears. She must be quite satisfied with Second Brother, right?]
Lu Zheng Yue turned and spotted Lu Yuan Xiao lagging behind. “Yuan Xiao! Why are you walking so slowly? If you keep your distance like that, people might think we’re not related!”
Lu Yuan Xiao muttered under his breath, “I wish we weren’t.”
Smiling bitterly, he said aloud, “Knowing you two is truly my fortune.”
Today was probably the most eye-catching day of his life. The entire city’s pickpockets seemed to have gathered on this street, their eyes glinting at the gold chains draped over Lu Zheng Yue. A few exchanged knowing glances and began closing in, only to pause when a clean-shaven man with a genial smile whispered something to them.
Two youths, visibly stunned, hurriedly followed the man, one of them holding a little girl in his arms.
The man was Eunuch Wang, a senior palace attendant, known for his composed demeanor. Yet today, he seemed unusually anxious. “His Majesty ate a dish of Eight Treasures Duck earlier and thought of Lu Chao Chao, who loves sweet things. He personally ordered me to invite her without alarming anyone.”
Despite his lofty position, capable of making court officials tread lightly, here he was, smiling obsequiously to coax a mere child. Truly, Lu Yuan Ze’s foolishness knew no bounds.
Meanwhile, in the palace’s audience hall, the Emperor sat at the front, while the Crown Prince furrowed his brow. “Lu Jing Huai may have passed all three imperial exams with top honors, but his character is questionable. Even so, I won’t accept him as my tutor.”
“Talent without virtue is worthless,” the Crown Prince added disdainfully.
Rumors had reached his ears that a Triple Crown Scholar might be appointed as his tutor, a position that would later become Imperial Preceptor when he ascended the throne—a tremendous opportunity.
The Emperor placed his wolf-hair brush down with a cold chuckle. “Him? A Triple Crown Scholar?”
The Emperor doubted that a sheltered youth, living comfortably off the Xu family’s wealth, could produce such majestic and bold literary works. [If it were Master Xu, I might believe it. But this greenhorn? I’d have to be out of my mind.]
“He plagiarized?” The Crown Prince stood abruptly, his voice shaking with disbelief. For scholars, such an accusation was scandalous.
The Emperor waved his hand dismissively. “There’s no proof yet, so let’s not speak of it. But one thing is certain—he is Lu Yuan Ze’s legitimate son.”
A sneer crossed the Emperor’s face. [Lu Yuan Ze really knows how to enjoy the best of both worlds.]
“An illegitimate son trying to surpass a legitimate one? Outrageous!” As someone born of the principal wife himself, the Emperor naturally held disdain for such matters.
“Madam Xu seems to be considering divorce,” the Crown Prince mentioned cautiously, suspecting she intended to take her children with her.
“No woman has ever successfully taken her children after a divorce,” the Emperor noted indifferently. [Especially not all three sons and a daughter.]
Just then, Eunuch Wang burst in, falling to his knees with a flustered expression. “Your Majesty, Miss Chao Chao is fighting!”
The Emperor and Crown Prince leapt to their feet. “She’s fighting? With whom? Who dares lay a hand on her?” The Crown Prince’s voice was laced with fury.
The Emperor’s face darkened like a brewing storm.
Eunuch Wang, on the verge of tears, replied, “Miss Chao Chao… is fighting with Consort Xian’s dog!”
Hol up
A dog? Lmao ???
Jack jack vs raccon the prequel